James A. Leithead III (Buddy), a native of Lake Charles, LA, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. He remained in New Orleans to complete his general surgery residency at LSU. Following residency, he moved to Miami where he completed a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery, during which time he focused on advanced laparoscopic general, colorectal, and bariatric procedures. He is certified in the use of robotic technology for minimally invasive surgery and is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

After finishing his surgical training under many pioneers of surgery, he returned to New Orleans and joined the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana (www.WhyWeight.com). Dr. Leithead is devoted to patient well-being, satisfaction, and exceptional patient outcomes. He is committed to providing personalized and compassionate care to his patients for all of their surgical needs.
Dr. Leithead’s numerous achievements include Most Outstanding Overall Fifth Year Resident, the Professor’s Award for Overall Excellence in Clinical Performance, and the Paul R. Hastings Award for Excellence in Critical Care.

Dr. Leithead specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of obesity, colorectal abnormalities, and general surgery diseases including hernias, gallbladder pathology, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. He also has a strong interest in robotic surgery in order to provide the latest advanced surgical technology to his patients. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.